Buffer hinge outside cup

Abstract

A buffering hinge outside a cup comprises a hinge cup and a hinge arm, the hinge cup and the hinge arm are hinged through an upper connecting rod and a lower connecting rod, the upper connecting rod and the lower connecting rod swing relative to the hinge arm and the hinge cup to achieve opening and closing of the hinge, mounting grooves are formed in the two sides of the hinge cup and penetrate through a body of the hinge cup, and supporting shells are fixedly installed on the mounting grooves respectively. The supporting shell extends towards the interior of the cup to form a pressing plate, and the space between the pressing plate and the inner bottom of the hinge cup is hollowed out to form a limiting area. A sliding plate is mounted in the limiting area in a sliding manner; a damper is mounted between the sliding plate and the hinge cup; and the tail part of the sliding plate upwards extends to form a first driving plate and a second driving plate which are staggered front and back. The hinge has the beneficial effects that the core of the hinge is that the first driving arm and the second driving arm which are arranged in a staggered mode are matched with the first driving plate and the second driving plate, and the continuous damping effect in the hinge closing process is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hardware hinge, specifically a cup-external buffer hinge. Background Art

[0002] In the field of furniture hardware, hinges are key components for the smooth opening and closing of components such as cabinet doors. Through a mechanical structure that rotates around a fixed axis, hinges enable cabinet doors to perform the functions of opening and closing, and their performance directly affects the user experience and durability of furniture. To prevent cabinet doors from generating noise or causing structural damage due to violent impacts during closing, buffer hinges have been developed in the market. Such hinges slow down the closing speed of cabinet doors through built-in damping mechanisms such as dampers, thereby achieving a soft closing effect, enhancing the user experience, and protecting the furniture structure.

[0003] Currently, a common type of buffer hinge is the cup-internal buffer hinge. In this design, the damping mechanism is integrated within the hinge cup, and the hinge cup is usually installed in a groove of the cabinet door. This cup-internal buffer hinge can provide a buffer effect to a certain extent, but there are significant defects in practical applications. Specifically, its buffer component only intervenes and starts working after the hinge closes to a certain angle. This means that in the initial stage of the cabinet door closing, due to the lack of damping effect, the cabinet door will move at a relatively fast speed until the buffer component starts to function when it reaches a specific angle. This design leads to the following problems: 1. Uneven closing speed: In the initial stage of closing, the cabinet door closes rapidly due to the lack of damping effect, and then suddenly decelerates when the buffer component intervenes. This sudden change in speed makes the closing process of the cabinet door not smooth enough, affecting the user experience.

[0004] 2. Excessive pressure on the damper: Since the buffer component only intervenes in the later stage of closing, a large inertial force will be generated after the cabinet door closes rapidly initially. When the buffer component suddenly starts, this inertial force directly acts on the damper, resulting in the damper bearing excessive working pressure. This pressure may exceed the design load of the damper, thereby shortening its service life and even causing failures.

[0005] 3. Potential risk of closing failure: If the buffer component fails to intervene in a timely or correct manner, for example, due to manufacturing deviations or performance degradation caused by long-term use, the cabinet door may still impact the cabinet body at a relatively fast speed during closing, generating noise or causing damage, which runs counter to the original intention of the buffer hinge.

[0006] In summary, due to the relatively late intervention of the buffer effect, the existing cup-internal buffer hinge has a short buffer stroke and cannot provide a consistent damping effect throughout the entire process of the cabinet door closing. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an improved hinge design that can overcome the above disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the existing technologies and provide an external-cup damping hinge with a simple structure, which can ensure smooth and controllable movement when the cabinet door is closed, thereby enhancing the functionality, durability and user experience of the hinge.

[0008] The object of the present invention is achieved in the following way: an external-cup damping hinge, which includes a hinge cup and a hinge arm. The hinge cup and the hinge arm are hinged by an upper connecting rod and a lower connecting rod. The upper connecting rod and the lower connecting rod swing relative to the hinge arm and the hinge cup to realize the opening and closing of the hinge. Installation grooves are respectively formed through the body on both sides of the hinge cup, and support shells are respectively fixedly installed on the installation grooves. The support shells extend towards the inner direction of the cup to form pressing plates. A limiting area is hollowed out between the pressing plates and the inner bottom of the hinge cup. A sliding plate is slidably installed in the limiting area, and a damper is installed between the sliding plate and the hinge cup. The tail of the sliding plate extends upwards to form a first driving plate and a second driving plate which are staggered front and back. The upper connecting rod extends towards the sliding plate to form a first driving arm and a second driving arm which are staggered front and back. In the initial stage of hinge closing, the first driving arm pushes the sliding plate to move through the first driving plate. In the later stage of hinge closing, the second driving arm pushes the sliding plate to move through the second driving plate, generating a damping effect when the hinge is closed.

[0009] Further: the second driving arm is a hook formed by bending the material of the upper connecting rod body backwards.

[0010] Further: the first driving arm is located on the two front sides of the second driving arm.

[0011] Further: the second driving plate is formed by stamping and bending the material in the middle of the sliding plate body upwards, and the first driving plate is formed by bending the material at the front end of the sliding plate upwards. The first driving plate and the second driving plate protrude from the upper end surface of the sliding plate.

[0012] Further: there are two first driving plates, which are located on the two front sides of the second driving plate.

[0013] Further: the first driving plate is formed by bending the material at the front end of the sliding plate upwards. A staggered-tooth dial block is installed on the rear end surface of the first driving plate. A driving boss is arranged at the rear end of the staggered-tooth dial block. The second driving arm contacts the driving boss to push the sliding plate to move.

[0014] Further: positioning card slots are arranged on the upper end surface and the lower end surface of the first driving plate, and elastic positioning buckles are arranged on the upper end surface and the lower end surface of the staggered-tooth dial block. The elastic positioning buckles are buckled into the positioning card slots to connect the staggered-tooth dial block and the first driving plate.

[0015] Further: an avoidance groove is formed on the sliding plate, and the bottom of the staggered-tooth dial block extends into the avoidance groove.

[0016] Furthermore, a partition platform is convexly provided on the inner bottom of the hinge cup towards the sliding plate, and the sliding plate is located on the top of the partition platform and slides thereon.

[0017] Furthermore, a plurality of elastic buckles are provided on the inner side wall of the support shell. Correspondingly, a plurality of mounting holes are formed on the outer side wall of the hinge cup, and the support shell is fixed in the mounting holes by being clamped by the elastic buckles.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. The structure is simple, the manufacturing cost is low, and the market competitiveness is improved.

[0019] The core of the present invention lies in realizing the continuous damping effect during the hinge closing process through the cooperation of the first driving arm and the second driving arm arranged in a staggered manner with the first driving plate and the second driving plate.

[0020] The design of staged and staggered cooperation enables the damping effect to effectively intervene in most of the hinge closing process. Compared with the limitation of the existing in-cup buffer hinge that only provides buffering in the later stage of closing, the present invention significantly extends the buffer stroke and realizes the effect of long-stroke buffering.

[0021] Since the damping effect starts to intervene through the cooperation of the first driving arm and the first driving plate at the initial stage of hinge closing, the closing speed of the cabinet door can be timely controlled, avoiding the problems of too fast speed at the initial stage and sudden deceleration at the later stage in the prior art.

[0022] In the later stage of closing, the continuous action of the second driving arm and the second driving plate further maintains the damping effect, making the speed of the cabinet door change evenly during the whole closing process and the closing action smoother, thus significantly improving the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 、 2 is the effect diagram of the hinge in the open state in the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 、 4 is the structural exploded view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figures 5 - 7 is the structural sectional view of the hinge during the closing process in the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 is the structural exploded view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 9 is the general assembly drawing of the sliding plate and the staggered tooth dial block in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 10 、 11Exploded view of the sliding plate and the staggered tooth driving block in the second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation mode

[0029] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. A cup outer buffer hinge includes a hinge cup 1 and a hinge arm 2. The hinge cup 1 and the hinge arm 2 are hinged by an upper connecting rod 3 and a lower connecting rod 4. The upper connecting rod 3 and the lower connecting rod 4 swing relative to the hinge arm 2 and the hinge cup 1 to realize the opening and closing of the hinge. Installation grooves 11 are formed through the two sides of the hinge cup 1. Support shells 5 are respectively fixedly installed on the installation grooves 11. A pressing plate 51 extends from the support shell 5 towards the inside of the cup. A limiting area 6 is formed in a hollow manner between the pressing plate 51 and the inner bottom of the hinge cup 1. A sliding plate 7 is slidably installed in the limiting area 6. A damper 8 is installed between the sliding plate 7 and the hinge cup 1. The tail of the sliding plate 7 extends upwards with a first driving plate 71 and a second driving plate 72 which are staggered front and back. The upper connecting rod 3 extends towards the sliding plate 7 and is provided with a first driving arm 31 and a second driving arm 32 which are staggered front and back. In the initial stage of hinge closing, the first driving arm 31 pushes the sliding plate 7 to move through the first driving plate 71. In the later stage of hinge closing, the second driving arm 32 pushes the sliding plate 7 to move through the second driving plate 72, generating a damping effect when the hinge is closed.

[0030] During the closing process of the hinge, the upper connecting rod 3 moves with the swing of the hinge arm 2, driving the first driving arm 31 and the second driving arm 32 extending thereon to gradually participate in the work. Specifically, in the initial stage of hinge closing, the first driving arm 31 first contacts the first driving plate 71 and pushes the first driving plate 71 to make the sliding plate 7 slide towards the damper 8 in the limiting area 6. At this time, the damper 8 between the sliding plate 7 and the hinge cup 1 is compressed, generating an initial damping force to slow down the closing speed of the hinge. As the hinge continues to close and enters the later stage of closing, the second driving arm 32 contacts the second driving plate 72 and pushes the second driving plate 72 to make the sliding plate 7 continue to slide, further compressing the damper 8, so as to maintain the damping effect until the hinge is completely closed.

[0031] Compared with the traditional technology, the hinge in this case has a long buffer stroke: through the staggered cooperation of the first driving arm 31 and the second driving arm 32 with the first driving plate 71 and the second driving plate 72, the damping effect starts to intervene from the initial stage of closing and continues until the later stage of closing, significantly extending the buffer stroke and avoiding the shortcoming that the buffer in the prior art only intervenes in the later stage.

[0032] Therefore, in this hinge, the staged damping effect makes the closing speed of the cabinet door uniform, avoids sudden speed changes, and improves the use experience. At the same time, the persistence of the damping effect disperses the working load of the damper 8, reduces its pressure, and prolongs its service life.

[0033] In one embodiment: The second driving arm 32 is a hook formed by bending the material of the upper link 3 body backward. The second driving arm 32 is formed by bending the material of the upper link 3 body backward to form a hook structure. In the later stage of hinge closing, when the upper link 3 swings, the hook-shaped second driving arm 32 contacts the second driving plate 72 and pushes the second driving plate 72 through the hook surface of the hook, so that the slide plate 7 continues to slide within the limit area 6, maintaining the compressed state of the damper 8, thereby generating a continuous damping effect.

[0034] Among them, since the second driving arm 32 is integrally formed with the upper link 3, no additional parts are required, simplifying the manufacturing and assembly processes. At the same time, the hook structure utilizes the continuity of the body material, improving the mechanical strength and durability of the second driving arm 32. In addition, the integrally formed design reduces the processing steps and improves the production efficiency.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first driving arm 31 is located on the two front sides of the second driving arm 32. The first driving arm 31 is located on the front side of the second driving arm 32. During the hinge closing process, due to its forward position, the first driving arm 31 first contacts the first driving plate 71, pushing the slide plate 7 to move and compress the damper 8 to achieve the initial damping effect. Subsequently, as the upper link 3 continues to swing, the second driving arm 32 then contacts the second driving plate 72, pushing the slide plate 7 to move further to ensure the continuity of the damping effect.

[0036] In one embodiment, the second driving plate 72 is formed by stamping and bending the material in the middle of the slide plate 7 body upward, and the first driving plate 71 is formed by bending the material at the front end of the slide plate 7 upward. The first driving plate 71 and the second driving plate 72 protrude from the upper end surface of the slide plate 7. Among them, since the first driving plate 71 and the second driving plate 72 are integrally formed by stamping and bending the materials at the front end and the middle of the slide plate 7 respectively and protrude from the upper end surface of the slide plate 7. When the hinge is closed, the first driving arm 31 first pushes the first driving plate 71, driving the slide plate 7 to slide and compress the damper 8; subsequently, the second driving arm 32 pushes the second driving plate 72, causing the slide plate 7 to continue to move, maintaining the damping effect. The positions and protruding designs of the two driving plates ensure the precise contact and pushing of the driving arms. In addition, since the driving plates are integrally formed with the slide plate 7, the assembly process is reduced and the production efficiency is improved. At the same time, the stamping and bending process enhances the strength and durability of the driving plates, ensuring the reliability of long-term use.

[0037] In one implementation, there are two first drive plates 71, which are located on the two front sides of the second drive plate 72. Since the first drive plates 71 are designed to be two and are respectively located on the front sides of the second drive plate 72, at the initial stage of hinge closing, the two first drive plates 71 are simultaneously pushed by the first drive arm 31, driving the sliding plate 7 to slide within the limiting area 6 and compress the damper 8. This double-drive-plate design ensures that the sliding plate 7 is evenly stressed and slides more stably. At the same time, the double-drive-plate design disperses the thrust of the first drive arm 31, improving the smoothness and reliability of the movement of the sliding plate 7. In addition, the two first drive plates 71 act simultaneously, making the initial damping intervention more timely and effective, and enhancing the overall buffering performance.

[0038] As Figures 8 - 11 shown, in one embodiment, the first drive plate 71 is formed by bending the material at the front end of the sliding plate 7 upward. A staggered-tooth dial block 73 is installed on the rear end face of the first drive plate 71. A drive boss 77 is provided at the rear end of the staggered-tooth dial block 73. The second drive arm 32 contacts the drive boss 77 to push the sliding plate to move. The first drive plate 71 is formed by bending the material at the front end of the sliding plate 7. The staggered-tooth dial block 73 is installed on its rear end face, and the drive boss 77 is provided at the rear end of the staggered-tooth dial block 73. By using the drive boss 77 to replace the function of the second drive plate, at the later stage of hinge closing, the second drive arm 32 contacts the drive boss 77, driving the staggered-tooth dial block 73 and the first drive plate 71 by pushing the drive boss 77, so that the sliding plate 7 continues to slide within the limiting area 6, further compressing the damper 8 and maintaining the damping effect until the closing is completed.

[0039] Among them, the setting of the staggered-tooth dial block 73 and the drive boss 77 improves the stability of the pushing action and optimizes the buffering effect. In addition, the whole staggered-tooth dial block 73 can be made of rubber material, so that when the staggered-tooth dial block 73 contacts and squeezes with the drive arm, frictional noise is avoided, making the hinge opening and closing smoother, more stable and quieter.

[0040] In one embodiment, positioning card slots 74 are provided on the upper end face and the lower end face of the first drive plate 71, and elastic positioning buckles 75 are provided on the upper end face and the lower end face of the staggered-tooth dial block 73. The elastic positioning buckles 75 are snapped into the positioning card slots 74 to connect the staggered-tooth dial block 73 with the first drive plate 71.

[0041] The staggered-tooth shifting block 73 is snap-connected to the positioning slot 74 of the first driving plate 71 through the elastic positioning buckles 75 on its upper and lower end faces, realizing quick installation and fixation. In the later stage of hinge closing, when the second driving arm 32 pushes the driving boss 77, the staggered-tooth shifting block 73 transmits the force to the first driving plate 71 through the stable snap connection, driving the sliding plate 7 to slide and compress the damper 8. In this embodiment, the snap connection structure is simple and convenient for installation, improving production efficiency. At the same time, the cooperation between the elastic positioning buckle 75 and the positioning slot 74 ensures the stability of the staggered-tooth shifting block 73, avoiding loosening or falling off.

[0042] In one embodiment, an avoidance groove 76 is formed on the sliding plate 7, and the bottom of the staggered-tooth shifting block 73 extends into the avoidance groove 76. In this embodiment, the avoidance groove 76 formed on the sliding plate 7 provides an embedding space for the bottom of the staggered-tooth shifting block 73, enabling the staggered-tooth shifting block 73 to be closely fitted with the sliding plate 7. In the later stage of hinge closing, when the second driving arm 32 pushes the driving boss 77, the staggered-tooth shifting block 73 stably transmits the thrust to the sliding plate 7 through the limiting action of the avoidance groove 76, ensuring smooth sliding of the sliding plate 7 and compressing the damper 8. Therefore, the avoidance groove 76 optimizes the spatial layout of the sliding plate 7 and improves the installation stability of the staggered-tooth shifting block 73. The staggered-tooth shifting block 73 is embedded in the avoidance groove 76, enhancing its connection strength with the sliding plate 7 and ensuring reliable pushing action.

[0043] In one embodiment, an isolation platform 13 is protrudingly provided on the inner bottom of the hinge cup 1 towards the sliding plate 7, and the sliding plate 7 slides on the top of the isolation platform 13. The isolation platform 13 protrudingly provided on the inner bottom of the hinge cup 1 towards the sliding plate 7 provides a sliding support surface for the sliding plate 7. During the hinge closing process, the sliding plate 7 slides on the top of the isolation platform 13 and is pushed by the first driving arm 31 and the second driving arm 32 to compress the damper 8, realizing the damping effect. The isolation platform 13 ensures a stable movement track of the sliding plate 7 within the limiting area 6.

[0044] At the same time, the isolation platform 13 provides a stable sliding platform for the sliding plate 7, reducing deviation or jitter during the sliding process. In addition, the isolation platform 13 isolates the sliding plate from the bottom of the hinge cup, reducing the contact area between the two, thereby reducing the friction force during the sliding of the sliding plate and making its operation smoother and quieter.

[0045] In one of the embodiments, a number of elastic buckles 52 are provided on the inner side wall of the support shell 5. Correspondingly, a number of mounting holes 12 are formed on the outer side wall of the hinge cup 1. The support shell 5 is clamped and fixed in the mounting holes 12 through the elastic buckles 52. The support shell 5 is snap-connected to the mounting holes 12 on the outer side wall of the hinge cup 1 through the elastic buckles 52 on its inner side wall, realizing quick fixation. After fixation, the support shell 5 and the inner bottom of the hinge cup 1 form a limiting area 6 through the pressure plate 51, providing a stable installation and movement space for the sliding plate 7 and the damper 8, and ensuring the normal exertion of the damping effect when the hinge is closed. The snap design of the elastic buckle 52 and the mounting hole 12 simplifies the installation process of the support shell 5 and improves the production efficiency. At the same time, the elastic buckle 52 provides a firm connection, ensuring that the support shell 5 will not loosen during long-term use and enhancing the overall stability of the hinge.

[0046] In summary, during the closing process of this hinge, the upper connecting rod 3 swings to drive the first driving arm 31 and the second driving arm 32 to act on the sliding plate 7 in stages. Specifically: In the initial stage of closing: The first driving arm 31 pushes the first driving plate 71, causing the sliding plate 7 to slide in the limiting area 6 and compress the damper 8, generating an initial damping force and slowing down the closing speed.

[0047] In the later stage of closing: The second driving arm 32 pushes the second driving plate 72, continuing to drive the sliding plate 7 to move and maintaining the compressed state of the damper 8 to ensure that the damping effect lasts until the closing is completed.

[0048] Through the misaligned cooperation of the first driving arm 31 and the second driving arm 32 with the first driving plate 71 and the second driving plate 72, the damping effect intervenes from the initial stage of closing and runs through the whole process, realizing a long buffering stroke and a smooth closing. This design effectively overcomes the limitation that the traditional buffer hinge only generates damping in the later stage of closing, improves the closing experience and the durability of the damper, so it can be widely promoted and used.

[0049] The above shows and describes the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited by the above embodiments. What is described in the above embodiments and the specification only illustrates the principles of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention will have various changes and improvements, and these changes and improvements all fall within the scope of the present invention claimed.

Claims

1. A cup-outer buffer hinge, comprising a hinge cup (1) and a hinge arm (2), wherein the hinge cup (1) and the hinge arm (2) are hingedly connected via an upper connecting rod (3) and a lower connecting rod (4), wherein the upper connecting rod (3) and the lower connecting rod (4) swing relative to the hinge arm (2) and the hinge cup (1) to realize the opening and closing of the hinge, and wherein: The hinge cup (1) has mounting grooves (11) extending through its body on both sides, and support shells (5) are fixedly mounted on the mounting grooves (11). The support shells (5) have a pressing plate (51) extending inwardly of the cup, and a limiting area (6) is formed by hollowing out between the pressing plate (51) and the inner bottom of the hinge cup (1); A slide plate (7) is slidably installed in the limiting area (6), and a damper (8) is installed between the slide plate (7) and the hinge cup (1); A first driving plate (71) and a second driving plate (72) are extended upward from the rear of the slide plate (7) and are staggered in front and behind. The upper connecting rod (3) is extended in the direction of the slide plate (7) and is provided with a first driving arm (31) and a second driving arm (32) which are staggered in front and behind. In the initial stage of hinge closing, the first driving arm (31) pushes the slide plate (7) to move via the first driving plate (71), and in the later stage of hinge closing, the second driving arm (32) pushes the slide plate (7) to move via the second driving plate (72), thereby generating a damping effect when the hinge is closed.

2. The cup outer buffer hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second driving arm (32) is a hook formed by bending the main body material of the upper connecting rod (3) in the backward direction.

3. The cup outer buffer hinge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first driving arm (31) is located on both front sides of the second driving arm (32).

4. The cup outer buffer hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second drive plate (72) is formed by stamping and bending the middle material of the slide plate (7) upwards, and the first drive plate (71) is formed by bending the front end material of the slide plate (7) upwards. The first drive plate (71) and the second drive plate (72) are arranged to protrude from the upper end surface of the slide plate (7).

5. The cup outer buffer hinge according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: Two first drive plates (71) are provided and are located on the two front sides of the second drive plate (72).

6. The cup outer buffer hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first driving plate (71) is formed by bending the front end material of the slide plate (7) upwards. A staggered tooth shifting block (73) is mounted on the rear end surface of the first driving plate (71). A driving boss (77) is arranged at the rear end of the staggered tooth shifting block (73). The second driving arm (32) contacts the driving boss (77) to drive the slide plate to move.

7. The cup outer buffer hinge according to claim 6, characterized in that: The upper end surface and the lower end surface of the first driving plate (71) are provided with positioning slots (74), and the upper end surface and the lower end surface of the misaligned gear shifting block (73) are provided with elastic positioning buckles (75), and the elastic positioning buckles (75) are buckled into the positioning slots (74) to connect the misaligned gear shifting block (73) with the first driving plate (71).

8. The cup outer buffer hinge according to claim 6, characterized in that: The slide plate (7) is provided with a clearance groove (76), and the bottom of the staggered tooth shifting block (73) extends into the clearance groove (76).

9. The cup outer buffer hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: An isolation platform (13) is provided on the bottom of the hinge cup (1) so as to protrude in the direction of the slide plate (7), and the slide plate (7) is located on the top of the isolation platform (13) and slides.

10. The cup outer buffer hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of elastic buckles (52) are provided on the inner side wall of the support shell (5), and correspondingly, a plurality of mounting holes (12) are provided on the outer side wall of the hinge cup (1), and the support shell (5) is fixed in the mounting holes (12) by means of the elastic buckles (52).

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